Strikeforce: Nate Marquardt Vs. Tyron Woodley

Our first of two championship matches is next, as Nate Marquardt (31-10-2) and Tyron Woodley (10-0) compete for the vacant Strikeforce welterweight title. The belt was vacated when Nick Diaz entered the UFC last year. Your referee will be Dave Hagen.

Round 1: Woodley fires off a big right that misses, but lands a low leg kick. Marquardt with a kick of his own. Woodley catches him with a right hook that sends Marquardt sprawling backwards and Woodley pounces. Woodley has him on the ground and is landing knees to the body as Marquardt gets to one knee. Marquardt back up, as Woodley lands knees to the body. Marquardt lands a straight right that drops Woodley, who pops back up. Marquardt with a guillotine, but Woodley rolls out. Marquardt back with rights and lefts, pushing Woodley up against the fence. Elbow to the face by Marquardt. Woodley drops his hands as Marquardt lands a straight right. Another blow by Marquardt. Stiff elbow by Marquardt to the face of Woodley. Knee to the face by Woodley. Less than a minute to go in this action-packed round. Woodley runs away and Marquardt lands another right.

FightLine scores the round 10-9 for Marquardt

Round 2: Marquardt stalking Woodley against the fence, throwing a kick. Woodley with a spinning backfist that lands on the arm of Marquardt. Big leg kick by Marquardt knocks Woodley up against the fence. Marquardt stalking Woodley, staying in control and keeping Woodley guessing where his offense is coming from. Another inside leg kick by Marquardt. Spinning back-kick into the midsection of Woodley by Marquardt, but Woodley shrugs it off. Big straight right by Marquardt, who takes Woodley down and goes into the mount. Woodley with a strike on the way up from the mat. Marquardt finishes the round by nailing Woodley with a body blow, though Marquardt has blood coming from what looks like a cut on his lip.

FightLine scores the round 10-9 for Marquardt

Round 3: Woodley with a big combo, and Marquardt is reelig. Woodley drops him and pounces, with Woodley nailing him with some nice ground-and-pound. Marquardt needs to fight back, and it appears he has gotten his balance back on his mat. Marquardt grabs an arm, but is forced to release it. Woodley powers through and avoid the triangle attempt of Marquardt’s. Woodley woring the body, landing an elbow to the side of the head. The ref steps in and forces them to stand. Superman punch misses by Woodley, as Marquardt seems back and ready to go. Two minutes to go in the round before we reach the championship rounds. Body shot by Marquardt lands directly on Woodley. Marquardt stalking again, lands a big right as Woodley ties up the action. Knee by Marquardt and an elbow that just misses.

FightLine scores the round 10-9 for Woodley

Round 4: Straight right by Marquardt, followed by a three-punch combo – all to the jaw – and a front-kick. Right cross lands by Marquardt, as Woodley appears dazed. Marquardt lands three straight elbows and a left-right cobo that knock Woodley out. Marquardt walks away as Woodley falls to the canvas. Marquardt with a cartwheel across the cage.